We'd like very much to have Aretha's father just come forward
Reverend C.L. Franklin
Let's give him a hand

Reverend Cleveland, and to all of the musicians in this great choir
That took me all the way back
To the living room at home
When she was six and seven years of age
I saw you crying
And I saw you responding
But I was just about to bust wide open
You talkin' 'bout being moved
Not only because Aretha's my daughter, Aretha is just a strong singer

Reverend James Cleveland knows about those days
When James came to prepare our choir for a gospel broadcast
Which is still in existence
And he and Aretha used to go in the living room
And spend hours in there singing different songs
She's influenced greatly by James
If you wanna know the truth she has never left the church